A new piece of legislation moving through the Florida Legislature has homeowners in Naples and across Southwest Florida taking a fresh look at how homeowners associations (HOAs) operate and what power residents could have over them. The bill would create a pathway for communities governed by HOAs to potentially dissolve those associations if certain conditions are met.
Under the proposed legislation, an HOA would remain in place unless a specified proportion of homeowners in the community agree to dissolve it. If that threshold of support is reached, the bill would require review and validation through a court process established by the legislation.
The reform proposal also calls for the creation of a community association court, providing a formal legal channel for homeowners to bring disputes and association challenges before a judge rather than relying solely on traditional mediation or internal association structures.
State data shows that nearly half of all Florida residents live in communities governed by HOAs, making any changes to how these organizations are regulated potentially impactful for millions of homeowners statewide.
In Collier County alone, real estate professionals estimate there are hundreds of associations serving a wide range of neighborhoods, from new developments to long-established communities.
Local reactions reflect varied experiences with HOAs. Some residents appreciate the structure and shared maintenance responsibilities these organizations provide. Others point to rising HOA fees and stricter rules as reasons they are open to reform. Many homeowners emphasize the bill would not automatically dissolve their associations, but rather gives communities the option to pursue that route if a large majority of residents agree and legal requirements are satisfied.
A key element of the legislative proposal is balancing homeowner control with community standards. Supporters of the reform argue it could offer relief to communities frustrated with high assessments, restrictive covenants, or unresolved disputes. At the same time, industry observers caution that dissolving an HOA could shift responsibility for maintenance, insurance, and community amenities to individual homeowners, which could affect property values and neighborhood cohesion.
The bill’s timeline ties its potential effect to the 2026 legislative session, with any new rules slated to begin in the latter half of next year if the Legislature approves the changes. Housing market analysts note states with more flexible HOA regulations often see robust debate about the long-term impact of such reforms on buyer demand and community stability.
Notably, the proposal places emphasis on legal clarity and accountability, aiming to establish transparent procedures for dissolution and dispute resolution through the newly defined judicial process. This would mark a departure from existing state law, under which dissolving an HOA can be a complex, often ambiguous process with no standardized pathway.
While proponents argue the reform would empower homeowners and bring more fairness to association governance, critics caution that associations play a vital role in many communities, providing shared services, enforcing aesthetic standards, and helping to maintain property values. They contend that removing these structures could lead to varied outcomes across neighborhoods depending on local priorities and homeowner engagement.
As the Florida Legislature prepares for the upcoming session, residents and stakeholders in Naples will continue to follow the bill’s progress. For now, the proposal represents a significant point of discussion on homeowner rights, community accountability, and how shared spaces are governed in one of the fastest-growing regions of the state.
